In late April 2025, the Jordanian Ministry of Labour announced that the government had deported over 3,000 foreign workers for violating labour laws in the country. This followed a wave of inspections targeting non-citizens working without permits in sectors such as domestic work, garment production, agriculture and construction.
The inspection campaign continues unabated. Exact numbers are difficult to establish, but based on our research, it is safe to assume that it has forced thousands of people out of work. Many businesses have closed.
The Bangladeshi owner of one unlicensed clothing workshop in Ad-Dhulayl, a town in northeast Jordan, recounted how he and other business owners were scared into temporarily shutting down earlier this year, after the Ministry of Labour announced it would fine companies 800 JOD (£833) per informal worker caught by inspectors.
